January 17, 2008

Library to move Kendrick Collection

to Cheney archive for preservation

Local photographer “Bert” Kendrick, at his death, bequeathed his entire photograph collection for use by the Ritzville people, naming the Ritzville Library as its guardian and trustee.

This large set of negatives, photos and proofs chronicling Adams County from the 1930s to the early 1980s, has for the most part been largely inaccessible except to the die-hard historians who would spend many hours combing through boxes for that one picture or event that they needed.

That may soon change through a provision that is available by the Washington State Archives, Eastern Regional Branch located in Cheney.

The library in Ritzville lacks the proper storage and manpower required to properly care for the collection.

This has led to the deterioration of negatives, and the inaccessibility of the entire collection.

The collection is largely made up of portraits, but includes insurance photos of car accidents, police crime scenes, funerals, weddings, school programs, class photos and local events such as new business openings and town events.

If the collection were moved to Cheney, negatives would be scanned and stored at the climate-controlled facility, leading to the preservation of the entire collection.

Negatives would be electronically stored, which would lead to an accessible database that could be researched online. Local consumers would be able to order photo prints through the library.

The library would retain ownership of the entire collection. 

As well, the library would have the collection on a server that can be accessed in the library and on DVDs.

The library is seeking public input on this opportunity. Contact the library at 659-1222 or by e-mail at ritzlib@ritzcom.net.